Omeros

In January, Derek observes the beach from a hotel window. In the distance, he sees something floating strangely in the water. This is Seven Seas, though the waters know him as Omeros. The “marble head” of Omeros morphs into the familiar face of Seven Seas and then back (280). Derek ventures down to speak to the figure. On the way to the beach, Derek feels as though he is going to his own death. To die at sea, he remembers, is the best way to die. He passes familiar spots—those crossed by Philoctete—and imagines Saint Lucia in a whole new way, which he attributes to his mind clearing due to his impending death.

On the beach, Derek tells Omeros about seeing him be kicked out of the London church. Omeros is considered a heathen. The hero of his story, Omeros says, is a drifter like himself. Derek makes a confession: He has never read Omeros’s book all the way through. The conversation becomes awkward and stilted until Derek praises Omeros as a talented writer and the voice of the sea. Omeros announces that they are going on a journey. Derek explains that he learned the true name of Omeros from an old girlfriend.